Minnewaska State park and the Shawangunk Mountains

Explore the Shawangunk Mountain ridge in Ulster County, NY at Minnewaska State Park. This range extends over 2000 feet above sea level. The beautiful scenery includes waterfalls, rocky mountain views, 3 crystalline sky lakes, lush hardwood forests, and breathtaking sheer cliffs and ledges. Drive through 35 miles of carriage roads and enjoy 50 miles of footpaths to hike, walk, or bike. Believe it or not this park is located only an hour and a half from New York City. It is located on a 22,275 acre preserve near the Hudson valley.

Other activities visitors enjoy include horseback riding, snorkeling, swimming, boating, rock climbing, and cross country skiing. Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam’s Point Area features many events where you can venture through the park and meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The back area of the park has the Shingle Gully Ice Caves which can be explored on guided tours.

Bird watchers will enjoy the area as it is a major site for migratory birds. Many rare and endangered species can be found. The Nature Conservancy named Minnewaska State Park as one of the “Last Great Places”. The area is in partnership with conservation efforts. It is an excellent example of a higher elevation forest community. The unfragmented forest provides shelter for a variety of birds and has excellent biodiversity.

Minnewaska State Park offers campsites for visitors. They are tent or vehicle sites and all sites accommodate 2 tents. It provides a cooking area as well as a bathhouse. There are restrooms on site and the campground is available May-November.

If you are injured in the Shawangunk mountains FirstCare Medical Center is available to take care of you and your loved ones. Feel secure in the great outdoors knowing the kind and skilled staff are there 7 days a week near this beautiful location to help you.